7 Life Lessons I Learned While Watching 50 Shades of Grey

REDBOOK's editorial assistant Allison Berry hit the premiere today, notebook in hand, and these are her takeaways...

Focus Features

AuthorCreated with Sketch.

By Allison Berry

Feb 14, 2015

1. Nice girls do get ahead.
Let's face it: Anastasia Steele is no angel (especially by roughly 45 minutes into the film), but girlfriend managed to work her magic on this notoriously can't-be-tamed businessman. See? There is a lot to be said for minding your manners and dressing like an American Girl catalog.

2. Vomiting on his shoes is a total turn on.
In a strange turn of events, Mr. Grey comes to the rescue of his leading lady to whisk her away after a night of drinking that culminates to nothing more than her keeling over and projectile vomiting all over his (presumably) Italian leather shoes. Not that I'm encouraging this kind of behavior, I'm just pointing out the fact that it seemed to work wonders for Ana. Hey, a girl can dream.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

3. Anything can be sensual.
Literally anything. Toast, for instance.

4. Negotiation is everything.
About an hour into the film, Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele go toe-to-toe in negotiations over an in-depth, insanely entertaining sex contract. (What, you don't have one?) Ana is nothing short of poised and direct with Christian and winds up gaining some serious assets out of the whole situation. I can't say this with any sense of certainty, but something tells me Sheryl Sandberg is glowing with delight in a conference room full of CEOs somewhere.

Most Popular

5. Beyoncé always gets the party started.
This is just a fact of life. At a friend's lame party where no one will talk to you? Put on some Beyoncé. Losing steam in the middle of a tough workout? Put on some Beyoncé. Stuck in a room full of whips and floggers and totally out of your element? Put on some Beyoncé. Simple math.

6. Risks are often rewarded.
Exhibit A: Pinch hitting for your sick roommate and interviewing a successful, sexy businessman in his swanky offices. Exhibit B: Ice cubes in the bedroom.

7. True love can come after sex… sometimes.
Patti Stanger may beg to differ, but for at least one of the film's main characters, love was definitely in the air of a certain leather and fur shrouded playroom. But the questions still remain: Are the two in love with each other? Do they have a future together? Will Ana ever sign the contract? Will Christian want her to? Oh 50 Shades Darker, you tease me so.